jolieqe

Looking into buying my first Mercedes. 2010-2012 E350 coupe CPO (40k miles)

- Are there any major common problems with these years?

- Are there any big visual differences for 2010 vs 2011 vs 2012?

- Is the pre-paid maintenance worth it?

- I was told maintenance is required every 10,000 miles and alternates from MaintA to MaintB. What's actually inspected/fixed/costs?

BenzMan369

Welcome to the forum.

To the best of my knowledge, there have been no widespread, systemic issues with this model, unlike some of the competition - notably BMW. My car is about 1 1/2 years old. It was delivered in perfect condition and has needed nothing since, other than routine service. Of course, individual owners have required some repairs, as would occur with any motor vehicle. Others who respond here may give you a better perspective. In the meantime, suggest you read back through the many posts on this forum and also those on the W212 forum, as common concerns are posted in the latter occasionally.

The model years 2010 through 2012 are visually very similar. The easiest external difference to see is the design of the fog lights/daytime running lights. Prior to the 2012 model, you either got round fog lights or "hockey stick" shaped Daytime Running Lights, depending on whether the car was equipped with the P1 or P2 package or no package at all. The P2 package includes many lighting enhancements, among them the DRL's. Beginning with the 2012 model, all vehicles were equipped with the straight-line DRL's. Some 2011's also have them. It's actually a little more complicated than that, but that's the basics.

OEM wheels have varied over the model years and there are also several optional wheel designs.

Inside the car, I guess the most notable difference is the 3-spoke sport style steering wheel introduced with the 2012 model, along with adding color to the multi-function instrument panel display.

To me, the most significant difference occurred with the 2012 model. The new Direct Injection engines were introduced, with increased horsepower, somewhat better fuel efficiency and an improved 7 speed "Plus" transmission. Some have said these things didn't make all that much difference. I have driven both a 2010 and my 2012, and for my money I'm extremely glad I waited for the newer, far more responsive power train.

You'll have to determine for yourself if the prepaid maintenance plans are worth the money. I took a 4 year plan. My service advisor (and friend) ran the numbers for me and the difference is below, plus the costs being locked in against inflation for the coverage period. I also just like knowing there will be no more routine maintenance costs going forward for the majority of the time I am likely to have the car.

Maintenance costs vary with the dealer. They are free to set their own prices. MB maintenance charges are pricey, to say the least. You can save money by going to independent shops, etc.

But, I've always felt that part of what I was buying when going back to the dealer for service exclusively is a relationship. I have an excellent dealership and service department. My philosophy paid off with my previous Benz, when I needed a very expensive repair just beyond the emission systems warranty period. They went to bat for me with MB and they covered it for me no charge! Not all MB dealers are created equal though, so you'll have to judge for yourself.

My 4 year maintenance plan cost $1,599. The services at my dealership would have cost approx. $1,850 individually.

Maintenance information:
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/servic...ts/maintenance

Please note: all of the above info. pertains to models sold in the U.S.A. Models shipped to Canada, the UK, Europe and other parts of the world may have different packages and trim options that may affect the appearance and operation of the vehicle. An example would be the AMG Sport Package trim available in many parts of the world, but not in the U.S.

I doubt I covered everything here and hope others will make additions or corrections as necessary. Perhaps also provide perspective on individual problems they've had.

Good luck with your purchase.

BenzMan369

Forgot one thing.

There is currently a recall campaign under way involving a faulty fuel filter that may cause fuel leakage and possibly a fire. The models affected are:

2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011.

Although my car was built in early July, 2011, a check with my dealer revealed it is not one of those recalled. Suggest you have the dealer check out the serial number of any vehicle you purchase or are considering.

jolieqe

BenzMan you really are the man! Thank you so much for the valuable info. I definitely have some homework to do catching up on the various posts here.

I will be sure to double check on the recall mentioned. I plan to buy from a dealer that's certified pre owned.

With my bmw, every issue I brought it in for cost me a minimum of $500...so maybe the MB won't be a sticker shock. Still crossing my fingers. Thanks again!

BenzMan369

Glad to help.

Just paying back a little for all the excellent help I received from so many others on this website when I was researching a purchase as you are now.

Good luck and please let us know what develops.

MrH

Excellent write-up BenzMan.. Only thing I can think to add w/regard to visual differences is expanded interior color options. Prior to 2012 in US, red was not available. Engine upgrade really is biggest difference but 2010/11 models still plenty of power for most. Good luck Jolieqe.

jolieqe

Thanks all! Glad MB drivers are actually nice people

jolieqe

OH forgot to ask.. regarding the maintenance of the MB. Is it true that they alternate A to B service every 10,000 miles? Is the schedule to ensure things are under warrantly? And does an indicator light go off telling you to bring it in? Thanks!

J666

I'm not too sure about the alternating services, but the car will tell you when it needs to be serviced.

BenzMan369

Thank you - and you are indeed correct. Getting the red leather interior with the black exterior was another reason I waited for the '12 model.


2010/11 models still plenty of power for most
True enough. Especially with that big and nasty V8 in your 550. What a beast, even in its pre-D.I. form.

BenzMan369

You can examine the maintenance schedule here for whichever car you are interested in:
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/servic...enance_manuals

I believe they've done away with the A and B designations. Now there are both "Required" services and "Recommended" services and they are based upon mileage - every 10,000 miles, unless you put on less than that each year, in which case it becomes an annual requirement - once each year. Some of the service intervals are more extensive and expensive than others.

If you're going to ask if the pre-paid maintenance packages cover both the Required and the Recommended services, I must answer I don't think so, since MB advertises them as covering Required Services.

However, when I brought mine in for its first 10,000 mile service last year, I was charged nothing and was told, "We did all the services and checks for you." So, this may be another perk of having a good relationship, depending upon the dealer. I wasn't going to question it!

I know for a fact they inspected the tires and topped off the washer fluid, both of which are Recommended checks. Now, if the car had needed something other than just washer fluid, e.g. wiper blades, etc., I suspect that would have resulted in a charge. But there was no labor charge for the examination.

leadfootstan

BenzMan summed it up perfectly. I have had my 2012 E350 coupe for about a year. I'm glad for the extra horsepower, and prefer the straight-line DRL's. I've had no problems with my car.

docskeet

I find the power of the 2012 more than adequate. I also enjoy the 28 mpg on a long trip. No complaints!

Phoenix9666

You are right - this is a great forum with some really smart, considerate people. We got our 2013 E350C 4 Matic in mid October and coming from a dreaded BMW 535 XiT Wagon (which I still own), I was amazed at the lack issues and complaints against these cars and the dealers. Other than the dealer service prices being a bit high - at least you're not paying for repairs every 6 months....

One other change to the mid 2012 E350C's was the availability of 4 Matic...

Good luck!